Wild and Scenic River Designation

Resolution Number 11-07.06

WHEREAS, The Mokelumne River, which flows from the high Sierra of Alpine County to the San Joaquin-Sacramento Delta, is a valuable part of California's natural and human heritage, noted for its high water quality; important wildlife and fish habitat; unique and numerous American Indian sites dating back thousands of years; important historical sites from the Gold Rush, mining, and early hydroelectric development eras; outstanding family, fishing, and whitewater boating recreational opportunities; and great scenic beauty, and

WHEREAS, The Mokelumne River currently provides water and power to millions of Californians for residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural use through its existing system of dams, reservoirs and diversions, as well as economic benefits to foothill economies from tourism and recreation; and

WHEREAS, To balance the extensive water and hydroelectric development on the Mokelumne River requires protecting its remaining free-flowing sections in perpetuity for their significant and unique social, natural, and economic value;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the California Democratic Party hereby supports designation of the Mokelumne River from Salt Springs Dam to Pardee Reservoir as a National Wild and Scenic River, opposes the East Bay Municipal Utility District's proposed expansion of Pardee Reservoir, urges EBMUD to drop Pardee expansion from all future water planning, and encourages EBMUD to employ less destructive methods of meeting its future water supply demand, including conservation, efficiency, recycling, water-neutral development, tiered pricing, off-stream storage, and conjunctive use; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the California Democratic Party will communicate this position to the California Democratic Congressional delegation and EBMUD Directors and request that they create, sponsor or support appropriate legislation to designate the North Fork and main stem of the Mokelumne River from Salt Springs Dam to Pardee Reservoir as a National Wild and Scenic River.